Yimeng Mountain Tourist Area is located in the central and southern part of Shandong Province, spanning cities such as Linyi, Weifang, and Zibo. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, consisting of three core scenic spots: Mengshan Yunmeng Scenic Area, Mengshan Guimeng Scenic Area, and Yishan Scenic Area, with a total area of 148 square kilometers. The scenic area features "majestic, peculiar, dangerous, beautiful, and serene" mountain landscapes, integrating multiple elements such as natural ecology, red culture, and historical sites. Among them, Guimengding, the main peak of Mengshan, stands at an altitude of 1156 meters, ranking as the second highest peak in Shandong Province and known as "the Subordinate of Taishan"; Yuhuangding, the main peak of Yishan, is 1032 meters above sea level and serves as the eastern gateway of Yimeng Mountain. The forest coverage rate in the scenic area exceeds 95%, with a high content of negative ions, earning it the reputation of "natural oxygen bar". It is home to over 1000 species of plants and more than 150 species of wild animals. At the same time, it preserves historical buildings such as the Qi Great Wall ruins and ancient temples, covering a total area of approximately 23,000 square meters. It is a comprehensive tourist area integrating sightseeing, leisure and vacation, popular science education, and red research.
History and Culture
Yimeng Mountain Tourist Area boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage, encompassing ancient civilizations, military culture, religious culture, and red culture. As early as the Neolithic Age, there were human activities here. Beixin Culture and Dawenkou Culture sites discovered in the Yishan area have unearthed a large number of pottery and stone tools, witnessing the development of early civilizations.
The Qi Great Wall ruins are important historical relics in the scenic area. Built in the Spring and Autumn Period, it spans Yishan and Mengshan, with a total length of approximately 618 kilometers. The existing ruins in the scenic area are about 30 kilometers long. The city walls are built with stone blocks, and some sections are well-preserved. It is one of the oldest existing Great Walls in China, reflecting the military defense system in ancient Shandong.
In terms of religious culture, Yishan is home to Dongzhen Temple, founded in the Western Han Dynasty, which was a place for emperors of past dynasties to worship the god of Yishan. The existing ancient building complex covers an area of about 25,000 square meters, with historical sites such as halls and steles. Among them, there are more than 150 steles from past dynasties, known as the "Chinese Stele Forest Museum"; Wanshou Palace in Mengshan Guimeng Scenic Area, founded in the Northern Song Dynasty, is an important activity site of the Quanzhen School of Taoism, together with Buddhist temples, forming a diverse religious cultural landscape.
Red culture is the spiritual symbol of Yimeng Mountain. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Liberation War, the Yimeng Mountain area was an important revolutionary base. Stories such as the Menglianggu Campaign and the Yimeng Red Sisters-in-law are widely spread. The Menglianggu Campaign Memorial Hall and the Yimeng Red Sisters-in-law Memorial Hall in the scenic area display the great sacrifices and contributions made by the Yimeng people for the victory of the revolution. The Yimeng spirit of "being closely united as water and milk, sharing life and death" has been passed down from generation to generation.
Main Attractions
Mengshan Guimeng Scenic Area - Guimengding
Guimengding is the main peak of Mengshan, with an altitude of 1156 meters, named for its resemblance to a giant turtle at the top. Climbing to the top, you can overlook the magnificent scene of the rolling Yimeng peaks. On clear days, the Yellow River can be seen like a ribbon, and Mount Tai is within sight. There are attractions such as Yuhuang Hall and Confucius' Viewing Lu Place on the top. Confucius' Viewing Lu Place is said to be the site where Confucius "climbed the Eastern Mountain and looked down on Lu", with a stone tablet recording relevant allusions. There are winding mountain roads and hiking trails from the foot to the top of the mountain. The hiking trail is about 8 kilometers long, with viewing platforms and rest pavilions along the way, suitable for hiking enthusiasts to challenge.
Mengshan Yunmeng Scenic Area - China Waterfall
China Waterfall is a landmark landscape of Yunmeng Scenic Area, located at an altitude of 800 meters, named because the water of the waterfall looks like the Chinese character "Zhongguo (China)" when falling. The waterfall has a drop of about 30 meters and a width of about 10 meters. During the wet season (July-August), the water flows rapidly, shaking the valley with its sound; during the dry season, the water flows like thin silk, light and agile. There is a deep pool under the waterfall, surrounded by green trees. The temperature is cool in summer, making it an excellent place for summer vacation and sightseeing. It is about 3 kilometers walk from the scenic area entrance.
Yishan Scenic Area - Yuhuangding
Yuhuangding is the main peak of Yishan, with an altitude of 1032 meters. Yuhuang Pavilion is built on the top, which is an antique building, 20 meters high, with 3 floors. Climbing to the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire Yishan and the scenery of surrounding counties and cities. There are also attractions such as Tanhai Stone and Wanghai Pavilion on the top. Tanhai Stone overhangs the cliff, and sea of clouds often appears in the early morning, hence the name "Tanhai (Exploring the Sea)". It can be reached by walking about 5 kilometers up the hiking trail from Dongzhen Temple, with peculiar mountain landscapes such as Waitougu and Shizigu along the way.
Menglianggu Campaign Memorial Hall
Menglianggu Campaign Memorial Hall is located in Mengyin County, Linyi City, about 30 kilometers from Mengshan Scenic Area. It was built to commemorate the 1947 Menglianggu Campaign, covering an area of 81,000 square meters, with a construction area of 3240 square meters. Through cultural relics, pictures, scene restorations, and multimedia, the hall details the background, process, and significance of the campaign, including more than 1000 exhibits such as weapons used in the campaign, telegram documents, and relics of martyrs. Outside the hall stands the Menglianggu Campaign Monument, 30 meters high, symbolizing that the flag of victory will always fly. It is an important base for patriotic education.
Yishan - Dongzhen Temple
Dongzhen Temple is located at the eastern foot of Yishan. It is a temple where emperors of past dynasties worshipped the god of Yishan, founded in the Western Han Dynasty. The existing buildings were rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties, covering an area of 25,000 square meters, consisting of archways, mountain gates, main halls, stele corridors, etc. The temple preserves more than 150 steles from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Among them, the "Stele of Dongzhen Yishan" was erected by Zhao Kuangyin, Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, which has extremely high historical and calligraphic value. A temple fair is held here every year on the 16th day of the third lunar month (the birthday of the Yishan god), attracting many tourists.
Food
Featured Food in the Scenic Area
Restaurants in Yimeng Mountain Tourist Area mainly serve Yimeng farm-style dishes. "Yimeng Stir-Fried Chicken" is a must-try dish. It uses locally raised free-range chickens, stir-fried with green peppers and potatoes. The meat is firm, with a rich sauce flavor. It is priced at about 120 yuan per serving, with a large portion, suitable for sharing among multiple people. "Mengshan Whole Lamb Soup" is also very popular. It is made by simmering Mengshan goats for a long time, with a milky white soup. Sprinkled with coriander and chili oil, it is fresh and fragrant without the muttony smell. A bowl is priced at about 30 yuan, and it is better to eat with sesame cakes.
Surrounding Food
There are rich characteristic foods in Linyi City and various counties around the scenic area. The "Yimeng Renjia" restaurant, about 15 kilometers away from the Guimeng Scenic Area, specializes in "Guanggun Chicken". This dish originated in Mengyin County, named because the founder was unmarried when he first made this dish. It uses chopped roosters stir-fried, with a spicy and delicious taste, priced at about 110 yuan per serving. In addition, "Ta Pancake" is a local traditional snack, made by wrapping chives, eggs, and other fillings in pancakes and frying them. The outer skin is crispy and the inner part is soft, priced at about 6 yuan each. It can be bought in farmyards around the scenic area and on the streets of counties.
Tickets
Tickets are sold separately for each scenic area.
The ticket for Guimeng Scenic Area is 129 yuan per person (including round-trip sightseeing bus), and the ticket for Yunmeng Scenic Area is 99 yuan per person (including round-trip sightseeing bus).
You can search for the official WeChat public account "沂蒙山龟蒙 云蒙景区" to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours
Mengshan Guimeng Scenic Area: March - November 7:30 - 18:00 (admission stops at 17:00); December - February of the next year 8:00 - 17:00 (admission stops at 16:00).
Mengshan Yunmeng Scenic Area: March - November 7:30 - 17:30 (admission stops at 16:30); December - February of the next year 8:00 - 16:30 (admission stops at 15:30).
Yishan Scenic Area: March - November 7:30 - 18:00 (admission stops at 17:00); December - February of the next year 8:00 - 17:00 (admission stops at 16:00).
Menglianggu Campaign Memorial Hall: 9:00 - 16:30 (admission stops at 16:00, closed on Mondays, except legal holidays).
Tour Route
Recommended 3-day tour route: On the first day, go to Mengshan Guimeng Scenic Area in the morning, take the sightseeing bus to Zhongtianmen, hike to Guimengding, and visit Confucius' Viewing Lu Place and Yuhuang Hall (about 3 hours); have lunch in the scenic area and taste Yimeng Stir-Fried Chicken; in the afternoon, visit religious attractions such as Wanshou Palace and Mingguang Temple (about 2 hours), and stay in a homestay near the scenic area in the evening. On the second day, go to Mengshan Yunmeng Scenic Area in the morning, visit China Waterfall and Yunmeng Peak, and hike the forest trail (about 4 hours); in the afternoon, go to the Menglianggu Campaign Memorial Hall to learn about the history of the campaign (about 2 hours), and stay in Mengyin County at night. On the third day, go to Yishan Scenic Area in the morning, visit Dongzhen Temple and Yuhuangding (about 4 hours); have Guanggun Chicken for lunch; in the afternoon, visit Waitougu and Baizhangya Waterfall, and end the trip around 16:00.
Transportation
- Public transportation: Linyi Passenger Transport Terminal has direct buses to Mengshan Guimeng Scenic Area, 3 trips a day (8:00, 10:30, 13:30), with a journey of about 1.5 hours and a fare of 25 yuan; Weifang Bus Terminal has buses to Yishan Scenic Area, 2 trips a day (7:30, 14:00), with a journey of about 2 hours and a fare of 30 yuan; Mengyin County Bus Station has buses to Menglianggu Campaign Memorial Hall, 1 trip per hour, with a journey of 30 minutes and a fare of 5 yuan.
- Self-driving: Starting from Jinan Station, drive south along Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, get off at Mengyin Exit, and navigate to Mengshan Guimeng Scenic Area, with a total distance of about 220 kilometers and a driving time of 3 hours; starting from Qingdao, drive along Qingyin Expressway and turn to Changshen Expressway, get off at Yishan Exit, and reach Yishan Scenic Area, with a total distance of about 280 kilometers and a driving time of 3.5 hours; the parking fee in the scenic area is 5 yuan per hour.
- Taxi/online car-hailing: From Linyi North Station (high-speed railway station) to Mengshan Guimeng Scenic Area, it is about 60 kilometers, with a driving time of 1 hour and a cost of about 120 yuan; from Weifang Station to Yishan Scenic Area, it is about 80 kilometers, with a driving time of 1.5 hours and a cost of about 150 yuan.
Must-visit Attractions
- Guimengding: The main peak of Mengshan, 1156 meters above sea level, where you can overlook the Yimeng peaks, with cultural relics such as Confucius' Viewing Lu Place, suitable for mountain climbing and sightseeing.
- China Waterfall: A landmark landscape of Yunmeng Scenic Area, with a drop of 30 meters, shaped like the Chinese character "Zhongguo (China)". The landscape is spectacular during the wet season, and it is 3 kilometers walk away.
- Yuhuangding: The main peak of Yishan, 1032 meters above sea level. The Yuhuang Pavilion on the top allows 360-degree viewing. Sea of clouds often appears in the early morning, and it is 5 kilometers hike away.
- Menglianggu Campaign Memorial Hall: Covering an area of 81,000 square meters, it displays the history of the Menglianggu Campaign, open for free, and is a must-visit place for red education.
- Dongzhen Temple: A historical site in Yishan, with more than 150 steles from past dynasties, covering a construction area of 25,000 square meters, an important window to understand ancient sacrificial culture.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended to spend 3 days visiting, which allows you to fully experience the natural and cultural landscapes of the three major scenic areas, avoiding a too tight schedule.
- Check the weather forecast before climbing. Prepare sun protection products and mosquito repellent in summer (June-August). The temperature difference between morning and evening is large in autumn (September-October), so you need to bring a coat.
- For Guimeng Scenic Area and Yishan Scenic Area, you can choose the combination of "sightseeing bus + hiking" to save energy. The one-way fare of the sightseeing bus is 30-40 yuan per person, and the one-way fare of the cable car is 80-100 yuan per person.
- For food, you can choose farmyards around the scenic area, which are affordable and authentic in taste. For example, the "Mengshan Renjia" restaurant near Guimeng Scenic Area has an average consumption of about 50 yuan per person.
- Red research tourists can give priority to the Menglianggu Campaign Memorial Hall and the Yimeng Red Sisters-in-law Memorial Hall. It is recommended to hire an interpreter (cost about 50 yuan per time) to gain an in-depth understanding of history.
Matters Needing Attention
- Some sections of the hiking trail are steep. You need to wear non-slip sports shoes. The elderly and children are recommended to be accompanied by family members, and use trekking poles if necessary.
- Smoking and littering are strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Protect the natural ecological environment. The use of open flames is prohibited in forest areas.
- Maintain solemnity in the Menglianggu Campaign Memorial Hall. No loud noises or chasing, respect history and martyrs.
- There are many tourists during holidays (May Day, National Day, summer vacation). It is recommended to book tickets and accommodation on the scenic area's official website in advance to avoid on-site queuing.
- Mobile phone signals are unstable in mountainous areas. Inform your family of your itinerary before departure. Hike in groups and do not leave the trail to enter undeveloped areas without authorization.